THE FUTURE DOESN'T BELONG TO THOSE WHO WAIT—It Belongs to Those Who Take Ownership
- Jared Nichols
- Jun 24, 2021
- 3 min read
Most people don’t realize they’re stuck living out someone else’s narrative. If you’re not actively shaping your future, you’re passively following a story written for you—by social media, news outlets, or even well-meaning peers. Taking ownership isn’t just a choice; it’s the first step toward creating a future on your terms.
The Problem: You’ve Been Outsourced
Every day, you’re bombarded with ideas and narratives designed to keep you in line. These stories tell you what’s possible, what’s important, and where you fit—but they rarely align with your values or goals. If you don’t challenge these narratives, you risk outsourcing your agency.
Waiting for someone else to define your role or give you a vision isn’t empowering—it’s immobilizing. It keeps you stuck while others move forward. Ownership begins when you reject passive acceptance and take back control of your decisions.
Why Ownership Is Non-Negotiable
Contrary to popular belief, ownership isn’t about controlling everything—it’s about reclaiming your ability to act with purpose. It means rejecting the mindset that success depends on external factors like luck or timing.
Ownership is about deciding what matters most to you and taking deliberate steps toward it. This starts with challenging bad ideas. The narratives being pushed at you often fail to reflect what truly matters to you or the people you serve.
When you engage in honest conversations—not tweets or soundbites—you’ll find that most people’s priorities are far removed from the noise of the information ecosystem. Stop following the herd if you want to lead and create meaningful change. Here’s how:
1. Reject Passive Narratives
Stop waiting for someone else to define your potential or your role in the future. Most stories sold to you are designed to maintain the status quo—not empower you.
2. Challenge Everything
Use critical thinking, dialogue, and research to question assumptions and uncover opportunities others overlook. Ask better questions, dig deeper, and use the tools available to find clarity.
3. Redefine Success on Your Terms
What does progress look like for you? For your work? For your community? Stop letting others dictate what success should mean and start defining it for yourself.
The future isn’t some distant concept—it’s an actionable framework for shaping what happens next.
TAKE Action
Taking ownership isn’t easy—it requires courage and clarity. But the alternative is worse: living a life dictated by someone else’s agenda.
Start today by asking yourself:
Am I actively shaping my future or passively following someone else’s script?
What narratives do I need to challenge?
What does success look like for me—and how do I start moving toward it now?
The future doesn’t just happen—it’s created by those bold enough to own it. Stop waiting—start leading.
Here's How I Can Help You Right Now:
Explore One-to-One Coaching:
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Learn the same strategic foresight skills that innovators, disruptors, and change-makers use to shape the future on their terms. Earn your Certificate in Strategic Foresight from the Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee while gaining tools to anticipate change and lead with confidence. - Join the Program.
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